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Sunday, 21 June 2009

Children's Party Entertainment - how much?

Every parent who hosts a child's birthday party is faced with the prospect of keeping a large group of kids happy for 2 hours. It's certainly one of the main questions that arises in parenting forums, and can cause some worry, but can you put a price on keeping the kids happy for 2 hours?

According to this report by the BBC, parents pay anything up to £250.00 for an entertainer! That's not including the hall fee, the food, party bags etc.

Of course, if you can afford it, there's nothing wrong with splashing out on your child's day to make it one they'll never forget, but in the current climate, many of us will be less able to splash the cash.

We've found a growing trend for parents to go back to the way their parents did it when we were young. A few friends round for a tea party with traditional party games, lucky dip presents and a party bag at the end of it. If you have a garden, and the weather is good, it's sometimes the best (and cheapest!) solution. Alternatively, your local village hall or community centre may have surprising cheap rates.

But how do you entertain the kids? Easy - get a couple of willing adult helpers, a craft activity, a few games (pass the parcel, musical statues, pin the tail on the donkey), followed by tea, some time to run around the garden, and end it all with a treasure hunt.

Of course, no party is complete without a little take-home treat, and you really don't have to pay several pounds per party bag - our most affordable filled party bags are under £1.50 each, and full of good quality, lasting fillers that will not end up in the bin as soon as you get home.

About Me

I'm a mum of 3 boys, and run my own online business selling personalised party bags and wedding activity bags for children. I also work full time as a website manager for Bonnington Plastics Ltd, one of the UK's largest importers and distributors of DIY, gardening, camping, leisure and home wares.